MATT JOINS BRDC RISING STARS

Matt Parry’s success since graduating to the single-seater ranks in 2011 has been recognised with an invitation to join the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club ‘Rising Stars’ programme.

Those selected for the scheme are seen as the future of British motorsport, and Cardiff-based Parry has earned his nomination on the back of two strong campaigns. The 19-year old is poised to clinch his second title in as many seasons after building a commanding lead in the 2013 Formula Renault Northern European Cup, having already dominated the final InterSteps series and set a slew of new records on his way to the 2012 crown.

Prior to stepping up to Formula Ford in 2011, Parry was already a multiple champion in karting, having earned back-to-back national titles in the Formula Kart Stars and Super 1 series, as well as finishing fourth in Europe and second in the 2009 Rotax World Finals.

The Fortec Motorsport driver is an original member of the Caterham Racing Academy, and has carried the squad’s instantly-recognisable green-and-yellow colours to five race wins and eight podiums in this year’s FRenault NEC, as well as victory in one of the two races at the 2013 Pau Grand Prix.

“Naturally, I’m delighted to have been invited to join such a prestigious organisation as the BRDC,” Parry admitted, “Becoming a ‘Rising Star’ is not only an honour, but also brings a number of benefits as a young driver, and I look forward to being able to make the most of it. However, I also know that I need to represent the club in the best possible way, both on and off the track, and that’s what I intend to do – starting with another championship title.”

Having impressed the ‘Rising Stars Panel’ with his ability on and off track, Parry - who is also a member of Sport Wales’ ‘Elite Cymru’ programme - joins a group of around 30 drivers following in the footsteps of F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton on the BRDC scheme. Providing that his career continues its current upward momentum, he can remain a part of the roster – and carry the exclusive Rising Star ‘blue roundel’ - until his 24th birthday.

“The British Racing Drivers’ Club has been extremely impressed with what Matt has achieved, particularly this season,” the BRDC’s Ian Titchmarsh confirmed, “In addition to leading the Formula Renault NEC standings very convincingly, his CV is exemplary and he made a seriously good impression at his interview, so there was little doubt about his inclusion in the latest intake. He is the ideal candidate for the ‘Rising Stars’ programme.”

“It’s great to have another Fortec driver on the BRDC scheme,” managing director Jamie Dye concluded, “We love having British drivers on our team – especially competitive ones – and Matt’s nomination is an acknowledgement of British motorsport talent. With the right backing and support, we have no doubt that Matt can – and will – go a lot further in his career.”

Round six of the 2013 Formula Renault NEC, a triple-header event where Parry could conceivably wrap up the title, takes place at Most in the Czech Republic over the weekend of 30 August – 1 September.

Matt Parry boasts an almost perfect career progression from karting through to single-seaters and has every chance to be the next British driver to make it to F1.

His spectacular record has been recognised nationally by the 25th McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, and there is now a very real opportunity for UK businesses to invest in a proven talent racing on the world stage - and get a return on that investment.

In 2017, Matt will move on from two podium seasons in GP3 and join RJN Motorsport to campaign a Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup.
Bespoke sponsorship packages range from race car advertisements through to a charged debenture in Matt Parry Promotions, with pre-set repayment terms based on future earnings.